A Reflective Look at 'To Be Ordinary': A Taiwanese Family Drama of Resilience

"To Be Ordinary," directed by Lee Yun Chan, is a profound Taiwanese family drama that offers an expansive and empathetic portrayal of a family navigating the profound, long-term consequences of a devastating accident. The film masterfully avoids conventional disability narratives, instead focusing on the intricate web of emotional, financial, and personal challenges that ripple through the lives of each family member over more than a decade. It’s a narrative rich with human complexity, examining how a single event can reshape individual destinies and collective bonds.

The film distinguishes itself through its delicate and balanced approach, ensuring that every character in this sorrowful yet resilient family receives equal attention and understanding. It delves into the evolution of relationships, personal development, and the unexpected burdens that can accompany both tragedy and generosity. "To Be Ordinary" is a testament to the human spirit's capacity for adaptation and perseverance, offering a narrative that resonates with profound emotional depth and intellectual honesty.

The Enduring Echoes of an Accident: A Family's Decade-Long Journey

Lee Yun Chan's "To Be Ordinary" opens with a fateful high-speed traffic accident that irrevocably alters the life of college student Yu-jie, consigning him to a wheelchair. However, this incident is merely the catalyst for a much broader exploration of family dynamics. The film intricately weaves a narrative that spans over a decade, charting the profound effects of the accident on every member of Yu-jie’s family. It navigates through the complexities of marital discord, the harsh realities of economic hardship, the universal pangs of coming-of-age, and moments of moral crisis, all handled with a gentle yet impactful touch. Director Lee Yun Chan, returning to feature films after a 16-year hiatus, demonstrates a remarkable ability to manage a multifaceted story, treating each individual's struggles with equal care and empathy.

The film stands out by deliberately sidestepping typical disability drama clichés. Instead, it provides a panoramic view of how the family unit adapts and changes in the wake of such a life-altering event. Yu-jie’s stoic acceptance of his condition and his proactive pursuit of a normal life, including a burgeoning relationship with his physiotherapist Yi-Han, contrasts sharply with the struggles of his parents, whose already strained marriage is further fractured by the crisis and exacerbated by his father’s unemployment. Meanwhile, Yu-jie’s younger sister, Yu-ching, grapples with adolescent turmoil and feelings of neglect, leading her to rebellious behavior. The narrative thoughtfully depicts how the wealthy Mr. Ma, responsible for the accident, attempts to alleviate his guilt through substantial financial aid and even by transferring ownership of his home to Yu-jie, but this generosity itself presents new challenges and burdens for all involved. The film avoids simplistic victim-villain dichotomies, instead extending compassion to every character, thereby enriching its dramatic texture and maturity as it unfolds over 11 years of evolving consequences.

Compassionate Storytelling and The Resilience of the Human Spirit

Lee Yun Chan's directorial vision for "To Be Ordinary" is marked by a handsome sobriety that perfectly complements the material. Despite the occasional presence of televisual melodrama, the film's robust formal restraint and extensive narrative scope ensure its cinematic appeal. The closely-knit ensemble cast delivers believable performances, particularly Pin Hsuan Chen, who powerfully portrays Yu-ching as a young woman navigating neglect while simultaneously supporting her struggling parents. The director's choice to maintain consistently overcast visuals and solemnly emotive writing underscores the gravity of the family's situation, though a periodic injection of tonal surprise—such as moments of absurdity, humor, or small domestic joys—could have provided a welcome contrast to the pervasive hardship.

Ultimately, "To Be Ordinary" is neither glib nor superficial in its exploration of suffering. Its unassuming beauty lies in its balanced and fair-minded worldview, which offers characters ample room to process their grief and ultimately forge their own paths toward healing and acceptance. The film's critical reception, including its premiere at the Busan International Film Festival and subsequent screening at the Tokyo Film Festival, highlights its potential for global distribution, particularly through specialist streaming platforms. It is a deeply moving and accessible film that, despite its somber themes, provides a powerful testament to the human capacity for resilience, empathy, and the enduring strength found within family bonds, even when faced with profound adversity.